Toast bread's hidden costs: Health risks outweigh convenience
Once opened, the slices can stay fresh for up to two weeks. There's no need to visit the bakery daily for fresh bread; simply pop it into the toaster, and breakfast is nearly ready. However, it is not the healthiest choice. Regular consumption may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
When comparing the ingredients of toast bread and whole grain bread, notable differences emerge. The list of ingredients for toast bread is significantly longer. In bread, "more" does not equate with "better." The fewer ingredients a product has, the more natural it is. Toast bread contains numerous additives to enhance flavour and prolong its shelf life, which should be a cause for concern.
How does toast bread affect the body?
While toast bread doesn't contain substances that directly endanger health, nutritionists point out that it is less wholesome than traditional bread. It is full of empty calories, providing only a temporary energy lift. This energy boost dissipates after a short period, making you inclined to eat more. For those seeking to lose weight, it can be problematic. The best choice for health continues to be whole-grain bread, rich in fibre and minerals.
Although the initial production of toast bread involves grains high in vitamins and minerals, these nutrients are nearly depleted during the wheat milling process. Many calories remain, mainly due to the substantial carbohydrate content. In 100 grams of toast bread, there are about 247 kcal and 48 g of carbohydrates.
How is toast bread made?
Toast bread is soft and elastic in the middle, with each slice enclosed by a uniformly browned thin crust. When toasted, the bread turns a golden hue and becomes crisp. In stores, this variety of bread comes in several shapes. Most commonly, the slices are square, but triangular or star-shaped options are also available. Thanks to being packaged in special foil, the bread remains fresh for up to two weeks.
Toast bread is produced using leavened dough in bakeries, where strict attention is paid to the cleanliness of the production process. Previously, large quantities of yeast were used, which adversely affected the flavour. Nowadays, yeasts that can tolerate high levels of propionic acid and salt are employed.
What is in toast bread?
An example of buttery toast bread includes the following ingredients:
- 65 percent wheat flour,
- water,
- wheat sourdough,
- 2.8 percent concentrated butter,
- yeast,
- salt,
- sugar,
- broad bean flour,
- flour processing agent: ascorbic acid,
- acidity regulator: sodium acetates, ethyl alcohol.
Though the butter content supplies vitamins A, D, E, and K, elements like salt, sugar, and preservatives have adverse impacts on the body.
Excessive salt can lead to high blood pressure. Sugar raises the glycaemic index of the product, potentially causing blood sugar fluctuations. While the flour processing agent (ascorbic acid) and acidity regulator (sodium acetates) are standard in food production, overconsumption may result in undesirable effects such as gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions.
Choose a healthier alternative
Experts consider toast bread a dietary pitfall. Its ingredient list and nutritional values make it unsuitable for everyday consumption. When combined with other sources of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it can be part of a balanced diet if eaten occasionally. A far healthier choice is whole-grain rye bread.
